A possible burglary turns into a proposal in Jessica and Jeff’s will-you-marry-me story. Their simple, elegant wedding at The Union Club in Cleveland was a total gem. As warm and fun-loving as these two lovebirds, it not only had timeless style for days but also the authenticity that makes weddings so special. Jessica’s something old, something new, and something borrowed were all such beautiful additions to her custom gown! Also, there were cannolis—we feel this should become a thing.

Find out how Jeff asked Jessica to be his wife and about their day from our bride below:

From Jessica:

How did your sweetie propose?

“Shock and awe is a great way to describe the simple and sneaky proposal that I had. After a busy week, Jeff asked if we could go on a “day date” on Saturday along with some of our normal errands. Little did I know he was carrying the ring with him all day! Upon arriving back at my apartment, I walked in to discover everything moved! As I started to yell that someone had been in my apartment, I noticed him bend down, and as I turned I saw the table covered with candles, champagne, roses and yummy foods. When my eyes landed back on Jeff he was on one knee with the ring in hand asking if I would marry him. He wanted to surprise me and he certainly did. I blurted out a “yes” and the day continued with drinks with my family, dinner at our favorite restaurant (where we would later have our rehearsal dinner), and the surprise news that Jeff’s family would be visiting the next week to celebrate with us.”

How did you choose your gown?

“Choosing my gown was a process! I knew the shape I was looking for, but my original idea for a plain gown just never quite fit how I wanted to feel on my wedding day. I finally started to explore lace after trying a gown that only had lace on the bodice. I finally felt like a bride. I searched high and low and nothing was exactly right, until I found out Lea-Ann Belter would customize. So I found Maude and Ruby and pulled them together into my own version of perfect! As soon as I put on Maude, I knew it was the right material and Ruby just fit like a glove.”

Tell us about your day! Did you have a theme or style in mind?

“Classic and simple elegance.”

What’s your funniest wedding day memory?

“Lake Erie makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos, however, the wind off the lake does not! I loved my veil and felt it really completed my dress, until I walked outside and almost got taken away. After the first round of photos my veil was found wrapped twice around the waist of my photographer to prevent further “Auntie Em” moments.

We had a beautiful June day in Cleveland, OH. This is something you never quite know you’ll have until the day arrives. Well, what else comes with June on the lake? Midges! These delightful lake bugs made for many laughs as they were discovered in the layers of my underskirt while bustling my dress. Among other things, my dress did a great job of sweeping the city streets with quite the collection of items.

Also when a cooler full of gluten free canolis arrived in the bride’s room at the church! They were a surprise order from my mom to me for the reception.”

What was your favorite wedding day moment?

“How can you ever pick one! The moment I was fully dressed with my veil and everything on was so exciting and I felt like I could take on the world! I loved putting Jeff’s ring on his finger and still love looking at it today. Finally, I LOVED our first dance. Our instructor taught us a fun lift to make our simple dance extra special!”

“My something old was my dad’s wedding ring. I lost my dad very suddenly almost 2 years before our wedding. The seamstress at Brides by the Falls was kind enough to sew a pocket into my bodice to hold his ring. My something new was my bracelet from my mom. It was a gift from my dad to her that she had dipped in white gold and passed on to me for our wedding. My something borrowed was my sister-in-law’s veil. It was so special for us to share! My something blue was another lovely touch by the Brides by the Falls seamstress. She placed a blue Swarovski crystal in my bodice.”